International Updates Lecture Series University of Washington professor Robert Burrowes and College of the Holy Cross professor Mathew Schmalz address "Social Narcotics: Betel Nut in India and Qat in Yemen" at a UW-sponsored dinner lecture. UW Kane Hall (Walker-Ames Room), 206-221-6374. $25. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wed., March 16.

Josh Rushing, et al. The former Marine, featured prominently in last year's documentary Control Room (about the Qatar-based news network Al-Jazeera), leads a panel of other ex-military officers in a discussion of the war in Iraq. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7 p.m. Wed., March 16.

Environmental Film Festival Sponsored by Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Network, this four-day fest features more than 30 films, most of them documentaries. The lineup includes The Greatest Good, about the first hundred years of the U.S. Forest Service, and Oil on Ice, a critical look at drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Sleeping Lady, 7375 Icicle Rd. (Leavenworth), 206-443-7239. $10 1/3-day pass; $30 day pass; $100 festival pass. Visit www.hazelfilm.org for show times. Thurs., March 17-Sun., March 20.

Employment Fair Tired of your boss? Learn how to become your own employer at a midday mini-expo hosted by Everett Community College. 2000 Tower St. (Everett), 425-388-9196. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thurs., March 17.

Film and Food Festival For a true Sensurround experience, try this dinner screening of the spicy 1999 Cuban film Life Is to Whistle while chowing down on Cuban cuisine in Tacoma, the official sister city of Cienfuegos, Cuba. Who knew? Blue Mouse Theatre, 2702 N. Proctor St. (Tacoma), 253-272-6622. $15 (includes dinner). Dinner: 6 p.m. Screening: 7 p.m. Thurs., March 17.

Blood Drive Donate some hemoglobin to the Puget Sound Blood Center. (Visit www.psbc.org for a full list of times and places to give blood.) Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Ave., 800-398-7888. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri., March 18.

Jefferson Awards Luncheon Established by Jackie Kennedy and Sen. Robert Taft, the Jefferson Award is the most prestigious national honor for public service. At this lunchtime ceremony, hosted by CityClub, past and new winners mix and mingle with local luminaries and, quite possibly, you. Crown Plaza, 1113 Sixth Ave., 206-682-7395. $45. Noon-1:45 p.m. Fri., March 18.

Photoshop Workshop for Cartoonists At the School of Visual Concepts, animator and Web designer Georgia Ball teaches all comers how to scan, color, compile, and tweak images like a pro. 500 Aurora Ave. N., 206-214-5369. $2. 7 p.m. Fri., March 18.

Family Science Day At this all-ages open house, parents and children can peek behind the scenes at the Seattle Aquarium and ask scientists about their work. 1483 Alaskan Way, 206-386-4320. $12 ($8 youth, $5 kids 3-5). 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., March 19.

Jimm Harrison The "certified aromatherapist and cosmetologist" leads a workshop on the healing power of hydrosols, produced during the distillation of essential oils. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E. (Kenmore), 425-602-3075. $70 (includes all supplies). 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat., March 19.

Kite Exhibit The new exhibit at the Museum of Flight, scheduled to run through mid-July, explores the science, history, and aesthetics of kiting. 9404 Marginal Way S., 206-764-5700. $12 ($11 seniors, $7.50 youth). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Opens Sat., March 19.

Gardening Workshop Make your garden the envy of all the neighbors, Desperate Housewives–style, with the growing secrets you pick up at this week's In Bloom class. 4437 California Ave. S.W., 206-932-2588. Free. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sat., March 19. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mon., March 21.

Family Fun Workshop Make an aviation-themed collage at one of the Museum of Flight's kid-friendly activity sessions. 9404 Marginal Way S., 206-764-5700. $12 ($11 seniors, $7.50 youth). 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sat., March 19-Sun., March 20.

Biodiesel Forum The renewable, eco-friendly, oil-based fuel scheduled to power 1,200 Metro buses within two years is also the subject of this annual environmental forum at Phinney Neighborhood Center, where exhibits, hands-on demos, and speakers await you. Sponsored by the Northwest Biodiesel Network. 6532 Phinney Ave. N., 206-227-9542. Free. 1-4 p.m. Sat., March 19.

Chuck Russell-Coons The archivist and historian describes the construction of the 42-story Smith Tower, once the tallest edifice west of the Mississippi. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, 117 S. Main St., 206-553-7220. Free. 2 p.m. Sat., March 19.

Chris Murphy The author of Meet the Sasquatch and The Bigfoot Film Controversy helps the Museum of the Mysteries unveil its new Sasquatch exhibit, which features hand and foot casts, hair samples, and video stills supposedly proving the existence of the mythical monster. (The exhibit continues through June 5.) 623 Broadway Ave. E., 206-328-6499. $3 (suggested donation). 6-9 p.m. Sat., March 19.

Climbing Event A practice run at Mount Si for climbers interested in scaling Mount Rainier as part of the American Lung Association's annual Climb for Clean Air. Visit www.mountsi.com or call 800-732-9339 for directions. Free. 9 a.m. Sun., March 20.

Regional Spelling Bee At this showdown among 90 spellers from middle schools in King and Snohomish counties, expect plenty of agonizing defeat, and one thrilling victory: The winner goes to Washington, D.C., in May to compete in the national bee. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. Free. 1 p.m. Sun., March 20.

Wintercollege This weekend of all-ages seminars sponsored by Shoreline Community College includes classes on Northern Ireland, The Merchant of Venice, Canadian history, and the works of Hitchcock. Lake Forest Park Towne Center, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., 206-533-6700. $45 (covers any three classes). 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon., March 21-Wed., March 23.

Stuart L. Hart The Cornell University professor and author of Capitalism at the Crossroads suggests paths toward the Holy Grail of modern business—making money and bettering the world—in a talk sponsored by the World Affairs Council. UW Kane Hall, Room 110, 206-441-5910. $10 ($5 WAC members and students). 7 p.m. Mon., March 21.

Deborah Jacobs As part of Town Hall's "Talk of the Times" discussion series, the librarian chats onstage with writer Bill Dietrich of The Seattle Times about the aesthetics and uses of the Central Library. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Mon., March 21.

Community Alliance for Global Justice The local political group meets to discuss the Central American Free Trade Agreement. 606 Maynard Ave. S., 206-405-4600. Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Wed., March 23.

Climb for Clean Air Meeting Learn about the American Lung Association's annual trip up Mount Rainier. 2625 Third Ave., 800-732-9339. Free. 6:30 p.m. Wed., March 23.

Jerry Fowler The director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's Committee on Conscience talks about his recent visit to Sudan, where the ongoing genocide has left tens of thousands dead and millions homeless. Temple Beth Am, 2632 N.E. 80th St., 206-525-0915. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., March 23.

Health Discussion Explore the relationship between the mind and the immune system at Sakya Monastery. 108 N.W. 83rd St., 206-789-2573. $12. 7 p.m. Wed., March 23.

Keepers of the Culture Town Hall plays host to musicians and storytellers from Croatia, Senegal, Quebec, and other corners of the world. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $18 ($15 advance). 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 23.

Joanne Snow-Smith In a lecture and slideshow accompanied by the music of the Seattle Choral Company, the University of Washington art professor provides an in-depth look at the restoration of the Sistine Chapel. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 8398 N.E. 12th St. (Medina), 425-454-9541. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 23.